| Diplomatic Week begins January 19 |
| Jamaica Observer Monday, January 13, 2003 |
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade will play host to the diplomatic community during the annual Diplomatic Week celebrations to be observed between January 19 and 27.
The week of celebrations will also see a number of non-resident heads of missions flying into the island.
Activities will begin with a church service at the University of the West Indies Chapel, beginning at 9:00 am. Several ambassadors and high commissioners, as well as their respective staff are expected to attend the service.
On January 21, the diplomats will be special guests at a Kiwanis Club of Kingston luncheon at the Hilton Kingston Hotel.
The following day, the diplomats will pay a visit to historic Port Royal.
On January 23, they will be feted at the annual Diplomatic Dinner to be hosted by Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke and Lady Cooke at King's House and on January 24 they will be taken on a tour of the recently refurbished Navy Island in Port Antonio, Portland.
They are also expected to attend a panel discussion under the theme: "A Private Sector Perspective on Jamaica's International Trade Agenda".
A central feature of the week of activities is the opportunity it affords for dialogue and update on government's policies and programmes. Against this background, the diplomats will be addressed by Prime Minister P J Patterson, Finance Minister Dr Omar Davies and minister of industry and tourism, Aloun N'dombet Assamba.
During the week, new diplomats accredited in Jamaica are expected to present their credentials to the governor-general as well as copy letters to the prime minister.
A special itinerary has also been planned for the spouses of the diplomats, including a cross-cultural night, a Devon House shopping excursion, visits to the National Gallery, an AIDS hospice and a luncheon to be hosted by the Port Authority.